What is Minimum radius for an HO Spectrum 2-10-0?

[DAndrews]

Good Day Folks -- Doing the new layout design and I am asking What is the minimum operating radius for an HO Spectrum 2-10-0 steam locomotive?  In my case the minimum radius will be on a hidden curve -- so appearance is not of prime concern.  However I do want the loco to run reliably through the curve as access will be possible -- but not close at hand.  Thanks in advance for your experience -- and if this has been discussed before please just direct me to the past postings.  Best, Douglas

[Irbricksceo]

I haven't tested lower but it runs great on 18 inch

[DAndrews]

Good Day Irbricksceo -- thanks for your prompt response.  Most appreciated.  Your 18" radius is actually less than I was planning on so you've answered my question with room to spare.  Given the wheel base of this HO scale 10 coupled loco I am assuming that it must have some lateral movement designed into the axles and or some blind drivers to accommodate a radius of 18 inches...?  In any case thanks for your answer back.  Best, DAndrews

[Irbricksceo]

Hello, While it is true that the 2-10-0 has some blind drivers (either middle or 2 and 4 depending on road name, just as in life, the biggest difference is that these locomotives were not for the american roads. but for russia and are quite small. These locomotives are about the size of the 2-8-0 and the wheels are very small, some of the smallest i have seen on road Locomotives.
just look at these pics of a PRR I1 and WM Russian Decapod:


https://www5.vetmed.auburn.edu/~smithbf/BFSpages/PRR/PRR_2_10_0.gif
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/decapod/wm1107-weber.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_Ye_2-10-0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRR_I1s

[DAndrews]

Thanks again Irbricksceo for the reply and the great links to 2-10-0 photos and information.  Very interesting history behind these locos and I appreciate you taking the time to provide it.  Since our earlier conversation I looked at the drawings of the Spectrum model on this site and saw that the 3rd axle drivers are blind while the others are all flanged.  Thanks again for the responses -- they are really appreciated.   Best, DAndrews